MANNER travel The ultimate Manhattan guide

We spent a week in New York City, visiting the sights, vetting the top restaurants and enjoying a cocktail or two.

By far the most exciting city in the world, New York will appeal to almost everybody. With more restaurants, bars, museums, shops and iconic sights than any other city, you could visit every year and still find something new to do every time. You can visit at any time of the year and experience a different city; winter is magical, with thick snow followed by cloudless skies whilst the summer is guaranteed sunshine. Spring and autumn are the best though, with clear blue skies and a crispness to the air. We’ve put together an easy and practical guide for you to maximise your time in the Big Apple. ►

Before you travel

You'll need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 3 days before you leave for the United States, although we recommend applying as soon as you’ve booked your holiday to avoid any issues. At $14 (approx. £10) per application the costs can add up quickly for a large family, however, ESTA’s are valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

From the airport

You can use the subway to get to Manhattan but it does mean travelling with suitcases and having to make a couple of changes along the way, to save the hassle, get a cab. Cabs from JFK to Manhattan are a flat rate of $60 which includes tolls and tax. Only use the yellow cabs and don’t be tempted by other drivers waiting there as these are private car services and will charge you up to three times as much.

Where to stay

The Omni Berkshire, located on 52nd Street between Madison and 5th Avenue, has world-class attractions right on the doorstep, including Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the lively theatre district. Designed to provide guests with a residential townhouse feel, accommodations at Omni Berkshire Place are spacious and traditionally stylized to maximize comfort. The hotel has 44 suites available to guests including the landmark Rodgers & Hammerstein suite, where the two Broadway giants collaborated on their first masterpiece “Oklahoma!” in 1942. The 1,000 square feet of living space of the Rodgers & Hammerstein suite is complemented by a walk-out, wrap-around terrace.

The hotel boasts 8 uniquely different terrace rooms and suites, all located on the 14th floor and above with city views that can include St Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Avenue or Madison Avenue. In addition to the private guestroom terraces, the spacious St. Patrick's Terrace, located on the 17th floor, is the perfect respite for guests looking for a private oasis in the city. Order room service to the terrace and enjoy a morning coffee or a bottle of wine whilst taking in the views of St Patrick’s cathedral.

Getting around

Getting around is surprisingly easy. To really see the city, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and walk. Most of the city is mapped out on a grid system so you should be able to navigate your way around without too much confusion. If walking isn’t your thing, the subway system is efficient and easy to use or you could hail a yellow cab from the side of the street – just like the movies!

The hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to get a taste of the Big Apple and cover most sites in the least amount of time. For an alternative travel experience, the water taxi offers sightseeing, charter and commuter services to points along the East River and Hudson River. ►

Eating Out

There are literally thousands and thousands of restaurants featuring cuisines from every corner of the globe in NYC, so whether you’re after a cosy dinner for two in a romantic setting, a classic steak or even a plate full of Chinese dumplings, you’ll definitely find somewhere to suit your taste.

You can spend as little as $1 for a slice of pizza or a hotdog from a street food cart, right up to $350 for a tasting menu in one of the latest trendsetting restaurants. There aren’t many options for dietary requirements when it comes to street food, however, almost every restaurant can accommodate with some offering an entirely separate menu to suit your needs. Do your research before you go and book well in advance as a lot of restaurants, especially in touristy areas, are fully booked with queues trailing down the street. We use Open Table when visiting New York –it allows you to read reviews from diners, make online reservations and earn points towards a free meal.